Astronauts in space eat foods that are specially packaged and prepared to be easily consumed in a microgravity environment. These foods are designed for nutrition, shelf life, and ease of eating.
Here's a breakdown of what astronauts typically eat:
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Rehydratable Foods: Many foods are dehydrated to reduce weight and volume for launch. Astronauts add water to these foods, such as:
- Soups (e.g., chicken consommé, cream of mushroom)
- Casseroles (e.g., macaroni and cheese, chicken and rice)
- Appetizers (e.g., shrimp cocktail)
- Breakfast foods (e.g., scrambled eggs, cereals)
-
Thermo-stabilized Foods: These foods are heat-processed to destroy microorganisms and extend shelf life. They are often packaged in pouches or cans. Examples include:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Meats
-
Irradiated Foods: Some foods are irradiated to further extend shelf life and eliminate bacteria.
-
Natural Form Foods: These are ready-to-eat items that don't require special preparation, such as:
- Nuts
- Cookies
- Granola bars
-
Intermediate Moisture Foods: These foods have a reduced water content to prevent microbial growth, such as dried fruits.
-
Drinks: Beverages come in powder form in pouches, and astronauts rehydrate them using a special water dispenser. Common drinks include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Juice
Important Considerations for Space Food:
- Packaging: Food is carefully packaged to prevent crumbs and spills in the microgravity environment. Pouches are common, and some items have edible coatings.
- Nutrition: Space food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of astronauts during long-duration missions.
- Taste: While taste is subjective, food scientists work to create appealing and palatable meals. Loss of appetite can be an issue in space, so flavor is important.
- Bone density protection: Food has to be high in calcium and vitamin D to combat bone loss.
